Akai

[Two Month Old Akai]
"Why mamaaaa", Akai whined, pawing at his mother's face who insisted on licking his head clean. She mumbled a swift "Hold still," taking a paw to hold him in place. When satisfied, she leaned back to gaze at her two month old. "That's better," She smiled.

"It's gross." He muttered, swiping at the air.
"I only have a few months with you, let me mother you and keep you small for as long as I can."
"Will they love me?" Akai asked, his paws dropping to his belly as he rolled onto his back, staring up at his mother. Shade nodded. Akai thought for a moment. Mkuu had left for a few days and when he came back, he said that his request was accepted. Akai was to travel to a new Pride, somewhere where he can grow and learn. His path was written differently in the stars and both his prince and his mother knew, in order for his happiness to be promised, he would need to leave. Akai smiled softly. "Did you meet her?" Shade shook her head.

"Mkuu has," Shade started, "Called her a rare, red beauty. He said that she is warm, kind. Just as a guardian should be. She is just like the stories I've told you. Great protectors."

"Who protects them?" Akai asked, standing up on all fours. He shook out his fur. Shade tilted her head.
"Perhaps the stars. As they tell you of your future, they protect you on your journey."

"I want to protect them. I'll protect Inesh!" Akai exclaimed, his voice waking up the other sleeping cubs. Immediately he cowered his head and ran into his mother's waiting arms. She laughed quietly and tucked him safely. He whispered a small I love you, and fell into his own slumber.
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[4 Months old]

"What are you doing?" Shade asked her cub. Akai's tail was in the air and his butt wiggled as he crouched low to the ground. He was facing the corner of their cave and he didn't answer.

"Akai. Answer me please." Shade stood up from her rest and made no motion to move. Akai lunged forward and pounced into the shadows. There was a squeak and then silence. "Cub?"

Akai let out a shout in triumph and came prancing back to his mother, a mouse hanging from his mouth. He mumbled as he dropped the rodent, his paw holding it in place.

"I got him! I'm going to let him go." He explained and did just that. Once he returned, he plopped next to his mother and laid his chin on her paw.

"I leave soon." It was a quiet statement and Shade nodded.

"Will you be excited?" Shade asked and Akai nodded.
"I am! Just what if they don't like me?"
"They'll love you. They'll teach you all kinds of things. You'll be helpful, kind, you'll listen and learn. No back talk. And no mischief."

"Not even a little?" Akai asked, grinning. He was a kind cub, but cubs do what they do. Shade gave him a look.

"Just a little." Akai grumbled.
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[The Goodbye]
"I hope they like it." Akai whispered, messing with the head piece. Shade giggled quietly to herself, gently licking her cub's forehead.

"If they do not, I am sure they will give it to a worthy lioness or king. Do you remember what I told you?" Shade asked calmly.

"To always follow my heart and walk the path I choose with my head held high." He answered, shaking his head with the decoration. It didnt suit him but he insisted he wanted to carry it. "I will miss you mama..." He added, turning to look up into Shade's face. "I do want to go though. I'm a big cub, I can handle it."

"That you can. You are my first cub and you grew so fast. I will miss you greatly. Inesh will protect you--"
"And I will protect her." He grinned, pawing at his mother's nose. "Come. Mkuu will take you." Shade whispered, her eyes filling with silent tears. She would miss her cub but she will smile, knowing he will thrive and his happiness will be promised.

She nudged him toward the end of the cave. "Akai, my little red eyed boy. I love you."

"I love you too!" He answered and nuzzled into his mother's cheek as she bent down for one last family kiss. "Goodbye, Mama."

"Good bye" Shade smiled, watching him run to Mkuu's side, on his way for his new journey.

----- This is the last time Akai has seen of Elrikx Pride, Akai has been given a new outlook on life and has been sent off to start it.-----

----- A while after Akai's venture from Elrikx's pride, Mkuu graciously bestowed the cub to one of the Guardians - named Inesh - who made the decision to take Akai off of their paws. -----

[The beginning]

Inesh led the cub to the main summit of Mother Mountain, speaking of great tales of the pride from either eons ago or just moons ago. She began to recite the rules of the pride as she walked up the incline, her voice monotone as she searched her mind for the endless list of the enforced rules. Her tail flicked from side to side with a light crackle from her old joints - though she may be old, she was fierce and had a gaze which could paralyze.
`` ...to High-Ranking lions. `` The Guardian finally finished her small - well, technically, very long - speech and turned to the cub, who trotted at her side. Akai looked up at her with bewildered eyes, which were filled with pools of blood and confusion. `` Understand? ``
`` ..No.. not really. `` The soon-to-be apprentice murmured, looking up at the Guardian, who started at him with hollow eyes.